Former Western New York congressman John LaFalce has died

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Former U.

S. Rep. John LaFalce, who represented Western New York for decades in Washington, has died.



He was 85. LaFalce, a Democrat, was born on Oct. 6, 1939, in Buffalo.

He graduated from Canisius High School before studying law at Villanova University and serving in the U.S. Army.

RELATED: Jimmy Carter, from storm recoveries to a transformative post-presidency legacy LaFalce won his first election to the New York State Senate in 1971, then moved to the State Assembly in 1973. He then won election to the U.S.

House of Representatives, where he served three different districts from 1975 to 2003. Early during his Washington career, LaFalce worked with President Jimmy Carter to get federal funding in response to the environmental disaster at the Love Canal neighborhood of Niagara Falls. 2 On Your Side's Dave McKinley recently wrote about that pivotal moment following Carter's death late in 2024.

U.S. Sen.

Chuck Schumer issued this statement: "Congressman LaFalce was as Buffalo as they come. He had one of the biggest brains and the biggest heart. John was a legislative giant and a dear friend going back to our time serving together in the House.

He would see a problem, whether in his beloved city of Buffalo or across the country, and dedicate every fiber of his being to making sure it was solved. "His dedication to public service and passion for helping others knew no bounds. He loved Buffalo and always defended Western New York.

He was a good and loyal friend, and I will deeply miss him. My prayers are with his loved ones and Western NY as they mourn this tremendous loss." Gov.

Kathy Hochul called "LaFalce was a champion for Western New York. He was also my first boss when I worked on Capitol Hill, my mentor, and a dear friend. I’m so grateful to have been able to visit him last year.

Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones." Congressman John LaFalce was a champion for Western New York. He was also my first boss when I worked on Capitol Hill, my mentor, and a dear friend.

I’m so grateful to have been able to visit him last year. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. pic.

twitter.com/pnfdq75tpc U.S.

Rep. Tim Kennedy issued a statement following the news of LaFalce's death. My thoughts are with the LaFalce family during this time.

May Congressman John LaFalce rest in peace. pic.twitter.

com/HKltzL5FDa.